12 Ways to Use Panton Chairs

Danish furniture and interior designer Verner Panton designed his eponymous, S-shaped plastic chair, made in a variety of bold colors in the 1960s. Stackable, durable, and weatherproof, they’re versatile and aesthetically distinct, making them the most recognizable modern chairs today. Let’s look at a dozen examples, in the dining room, kitchen, bedroom, study, and out on the patio and deck. It’s been knocked off from here to Sunday, but the idea here is to see the versatility of these chairs. You’ll notice, interestingly, that many of these interiors mix the chairs with traditional details as often as with more modern ones.

This rustic Italian farmhouse, called Casa Olivi, was designed by architects Markus Wespi and Jerome de Meuron. The pure white Panton chairs provide a sleek counterpoint to the centuries-old stone walls.

Photo by Estudi Epdse

Architect Marià Castelló Martínez designed this home on the island of Formentera in Spain. Most of the furniture was custom made for the space, but as you can see this room also includes a white Panton chair, which ties in perfectly with the sleek computer on the table.

Photo by Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer /Elle Decor

A black Panton chair adds gloss to the bohemian vibe of this bedroom, with its Moroccan throw, kilim, and crystal light fixture. Its curvy silhouette echoes the forms in the black and white abstract artwork.

Nicolas Matheus/Basset Images

Everything’s slick in this Paris kitchen, designed by French architecture firm Double G—concrete floors, stainless steel appliances, and a white plastic Panton chair.

Nuevo Estilo

Four green Panton-style chairs surround a dining table over which hangs an ornate chandelier, in genius contrast, proving these modern icons work well with eclectic interiors too.

Photo by Simon Devitt

New Zealand architecture firm Architex designed this Auckland home. Despite the lush lawn and concrete patio complete with large dining table and eight yellow Panton chairs, it’s actually located in the city.

Photo by Studio Dreyer/Hensley

Here, Panton chairs are right at home among a pale wood, clean-lined table, plain white walls, and pair of Louis Poulsen pendants. A Danish decor, no doubt.

Photo by Sean Fennessey

The Panton-style chairs, pedestal table, and arc lamp make an interesting tableau among the stacked stone fireplace, crystal chandeliers, and floor-length drapery.